KASAMAKA ferments livelihood in Tamarind Fruit Wine

Kababaihan Sama-sama sa Kaunlaran (KASAMAKA) women’s organization of the Lobo Municipal Women Coordinating Council (MWCC) geared towards livelihood development in tamarind fruit wine through an execution of a technology training held at Ginga Farm, Brgy. Sawang, Lobo, Batangas, April 26-27.

KASAMAKA has been implementing projects for the welfare of women of Lobo. Sweetened tamarind fruit and tamarind fruit balls are two of the known products made by most women in their locale. To make use of their rich tamarind yield during summer season, DOST Batangas provided the organization with a technology training to educate women on making tamarind wine. This was an attempt to provide each member a livelihood other than their processed tamarind fruits. Moreover, this undertaking also marked the revitalization of the tamarind wine industry of Lobo which was recognized in a wide array of markets. Trainors were Mr. Joel Rivadeneira and Mr. Romel Felismino from the University of the Philippines Los Baños – College of Agriculture and Food Science.

Selection, handling and transportation of fruit, sorting and washing, processing equipment and facility, preparation of puree were among the topics discussed during the training. Meanwhile, a demonstration of how the process and fermentation happen were also provided to the participants. Basic Food Hygiene was also discussed during the lecture. According to trainors, trained participants have high likelihood of winning the enterprise as observed in their commitment to learn and eagerness to materialize a livelihood on tamarind fruit wine.

Tamarind, a delicious sweet fruit that has a wide variety of uses and applications, both for medicinal and culinary purposes is abundant in Lobo, Batangas. Studies showed that its health benefits include the ability to reduce inflammation throughout the body, improve eye health, boost respiratory health, heal skin conditions, improve the digestive system, relieve pain, increase the strength of the immune system, reduce fever, lower cholesterol to improve cardiovascular health, treat piles, prevent cancer, and even protect children against parasites and worms according to Dr. Edward Group, Global Healing Center.